Ivory Coast is set to host a series of international women’s football matches this April, placing the West African nation at the centre of a global initiative aimed at developing the women’s game.
The Ivorian Football Federation has confirmed that fixtures under the FIFA Series 2026 will take place in Abidjan from 9 to 17 April, with all matches scheduled to be played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.
The tournament will feature national teams from Ivory Coast, Pakistan, Mauritania and Turks and Caicos Islands, offering a platform for nations from different regions to compete within a structured international window.
Organised as part of a broader FIFA initiative, the series is designed to increase exposure and provide competitive opportunities for women’s national teams.
The format allows participating sides to face a variety of opponents within a short period, helping to build experience and improve performance levels.
For Ivory Coast, hosting the event represents both a sporting and symbolic milestone.
The country continues to build on its football infrastructure following recent major tournaments, and the selection of Abidjan as a host city highlights confidence in its facilities.
The Alassane Ouattara Stadium, located in Ebimpé, has previously staged high-profile matches and is expected to accommodate all fixtures during the competition.
Its role as the sole venue ensures consistency for teams while also showcasing one of the continent’s modern football arenas.
The match schedule has been structured to allow teams adequate time for recovery and preparation between games, with fixtures spread across three matchdays.
The opening round on 9 April will see Pakistan face Turks and Caicos Islands, before the hosts Ivory Coast take on Mauritania later the same day.
The second round of matches on 12 April features Mauritania against Pakistan, followed by Turks and Caicos Islands meeting Ivory Coast.
The final set of fixtures on 16 April will conclude the series, with Turks and Caicos Islands playing Mauritania before Ivory Coast face Pakistan in the closing match.
Beyond the results, the competition aims to strengthen the development of women’s football by creating more regular international engagements.
For African teams in particular, such tournaments provide valuable opportunities to measure progress against sides from other regions.
As Ivory Coast prepares to welcome participating nations, the spotlight will be firmly on Abidjan, not only as a host city but as a growing hub for football development on the continent.
